Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies

Students may propose individual majors that cross one or more boundaries of the college's established fields of study. A self-designed interdisciplinary major requires a detailed academic program with a list of courses to be included in the major drawn from at least two departments or programs, and one senior thesis (INDS 457, 458), capstone project, or comprehensive examination.

Further guidelines and an application for the individual interdisciplinary major are available from the registrar. Proposals for interdisciplinary majors must be submitted to the registrar for approval by the Curriculum Review Committee by March 1 in the sophomore year. Proposals must include a faculty advisory board of at least three faculty members who have agreed collectively to act as major advisors. One of these faculty members also serves as thesis advisor unless the student's program includes an alternative capstone project or comprehensive examination. A student with an individual interdisciplinary major graduates with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Courses

INDS 457. Interdisciplinary Senior Thesis.

Independent study and writing of a major research paper in the area of the student's interdisciplinary major, supervised by an appropriate faculty member. Students register for INDS 457 in the fall semester. Interdisciplinary majors writing an honors thesis register for both INDS 457 and 458. Normally offered every year. Staff.

INDS 458. Interdisciplinary Senior Thesis.

Independent study and writing of a major research paper in the area of the student's interdisciplinary major, supervised by an appropriate faculty member. Students register for Interdisciplinary Senior Thesis 458 in the winter semester. Interdisciplinary majors writing an honors thesis register for both Interdisciplinary Thesis 457 and 458. Normally offered every year. Staff.